Audit finds that $245M of consultation fees were not properly reported by city staff

The City of Edmonton spent $616 million in consultant fees between 2013 and 2017, according to an audit report. (CBC)

The City of Edmonton has spent an average of $123 million per year on consultants over the last five years, according to the city auditor.

"What really shocked me was the size of the number," said Coun. Mike Nickel, referring to $616M spent between 2013 and 2017.

Nickel wondered if the growth in middle management at the city was linked to what he believes is an increase in consultations.

"Are you really transferring your accountability and your responsibility to the consultants?" Nickel asked. "That's what it looks like to me at the end of the day, but administration might have another answer."